Dementia (Hansard, 16 June 1997)

§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had regarding training in dementia care for professionals; and if he will make a statement. [3011]

§ Mr. Boateng
We have had no recent discussions on this issue. Such training is primarily the responsibility of the relevant professional bodies, the universities and the organisations which employ health and social care professionals.
The Department has contributed funding towards the provision of training material on dementia for mental health professionals. We commissioned Manchester university to produce training literature in mental health, including specific guidance on older people with mental health problems. We helped the Alzheimer's Disease Society with the production costs of their recent training pack for general practitioner trainers, "Dementia in the Community: management strategies for general practice". The Department also contributed funding to a recent feasibility study led by the British Medical Association into an educational video for GPs on dementia.

§ Mr. Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the funding of research into Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. [3012]

§ Mr. Boateng
The Government's commitment to the health and well being of mentally ill people is exemplified in "The Health of the Nation". The Medical research Council, the Department's Policy Research Programme and the National Health Service Research and Development Programme are all undertaking work into dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. For example, the policy research programme is contributing almost £1 million to the Medical Research Council's Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. Results of Government funded research are made freely and widely available. Research and development priorities cover a wide range of health care issues and research into Alzheimer's disease is considered along with other research priorities. Government investment in this area of research is continuing.

§ Mr. Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure the provision of specialist services for the needs of younger people who suffer from dementia. [3013]

§ Mr. Boateng
The Health of the Nation Handbook on Mental Health of Older People advises health and social care purchasers to work across boundaries to ensure the necessary care and treatment are available for those with early onset dementia.

§ Mr. Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on discrimination against people at risk of dementia. [3014]

§ Mr. Boateng
It is not possible to identify medically those at risk from dementia.